NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ezra Manjon’s 17 points led four Vanderbilt student-athletes in double figures as the Commodores earned a 68-61 SEC victory over Missouri at Memorial Gymnasium Saturday.
The senior recorded 13 points in the second half, including making five free throws in the final 32 seconds to seal the win for the Commodores (6-15, 1-7 SEC). Tyrin Lawrence finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, Ven-Allen Lubin recorded 12 points and eight boards, and Evan Taylor contributed nine points and 11 rebounds—the most he has pulled down as as a Dore—to help Vandy end up with a 42-31 edge on the glass.
The Commodores also got a career-high-tying 12 points in 20 minutes from Isaiah West.
The Tigers (8-14, 0-9 SEC) scored nine of the first 11 points of the contest, going on to extend to a 20-9 advantage with 13 and a half minutes left in the half. West came into play with four 3-pointers on the season, but he would hit three while the Commodores allowed just three field goals prior to the break to help Vandy take a 32-29 lead at the half.
That advantage would grow to as many as nine, although Missouri would make it a one-score game on three occasions in the final two minutes before the Dores closed it out.
Noah Carter had a game-high 20 points and six rebounds for the Tigers, with Tamar Bates adding 17 points and Nick Honor 11.
The Commodores are scheduled to play host to nationally-ranked Kentucky Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., with the game set to be broadcast on SEC Network.
